When musician John Carpenter approached Hammond businessman Raymundo Garcia, owner of EAT restaurant, about staging an event that would benefit both of them, the Halfway to Pierogi Fest event was born.
“Our band (Nomad Planets) has played the summer Pierogi Fest in Whiting for the past 17 years and many people asked when we would be making a CD,” Carpenter said. “I knew that Ray was in the process of opening a restaurant/entertainment venue in downtown Hammond, and this location was a great fit for a live recording, while showing people what Ray was developing.”
So the Halfway to Pierogi Fest happened on Saturday. The band played three sets that were digitally recorded while visitors danced and took in the decor at EAT, a three-story building that formerly housed the F. W. Woolworth Five and Dime store.
The restaurant/entertainment venue is scheduled to open for regular business this year.
“There’s a few kinks to work out, as well as some challenges. But we plan to be open for business by this summer,” Garcia said during the fest. “We’ll first begin with a Saturday and Sunday brunch.”
Offerings to be found on the brunch tables are yet to be determined, but there will definitely be quite a few unique items, he said.
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Otherwise, the future restaurant’s menu hasn’t been written in concrete.
Jennifer and Tom Longameir of Munster were among the more than 70 visitors on Saturday.
“What a cool way to bring people together — with a great local band and a great upcoming local restaurant,” Jennifer Longameir said. “It’s exciting to see so many people here. They do care about what’s happening in downtown Hammond.”
Similar to its summer counterpart, the Halfway to Pierogi Fest also offered great Polish fare provided by the Cavalier Inn of north Hammond.
Cavalier Inn employees Tracey Jankowski and Lewis Pesnak dished up the traditional favorites.
“It’s fitting to have our stuffed cabbage, pierogi, and cabbage and noodles for everyone here,” Jankowski said. “They’re always popular with everyone.”
Aptly dressed “busias” also could be found among the crowd.
Matt Travis of Munster donned the traditional Polish head scarf and apron as he socialized with the visitors.
“This is so much fun,” he said as he posed for pictures. “It’s great to be able to celebrate Pierogi Fest twice this year.”
Garcia and Karen Maravilla, owner of downtown Hammond’s It’s Just Serendipity — a consignment retail store — served as busia bartenders. “I just went through my store and found all these great clothes,” Maravilla said of her attire, which included a colorfully decorated apron and large pink hat. “I found exactly everything I needed.”
In addition to Carpenter, the five-member Nomad Planets band, which has been playing for 17 years, consists of Mark Mybeck, Terry Boylan, Chris Ussery and Phil Rapchak.
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance writer for the Post-Tribune.